At the Library

Good Vibrations

My Life as A Beach Boy

Mike Love tells the story of his legendary, raucous, and ultimately triumphant five-decade career as the front man of The Beach Boys, the most popular American band in history -- timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of "Good Vibrations."

As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love has spent an extraordinary fifty-five years, and counting, as the group's lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. The Beach Boys, from their California roots to their international fame, are a unique American story -- one of overnight success and age-defying longevity; of musical genius and reckless self-destruction; of spirituality, betrayal, and forgiveness -- and Love is the only band member to be part of it each and every step. His own story has never been fully told, of how a sheet-metal apprentice became the quintessential front man for America's most successful rock band, singing in more than 5,600 concerts in 26 countries.

Love describes the stories behind his lyrics for pop classics such as "Good Vibrations," "California Girls," "Surfin' USA," and "Kokomo," while providing vivid portraits of the turbulent lives of his three gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson. His partnership with Brian has few equals in American pop music, though Mike has carved out a legacy of his own -- he co-wrote the lyrics to eleven of the twelve original Beach Boy songs that were top 10 hits while providing the lead vocals on ten of them. The band's unprecedented durability also provides a glimpse into America's changing cultural mores over the past half century, while Love himself has experienced both the diabolical and the divine -- from Charles Manson's "family" threatening his life to Maharishi instilling it with peace. A husband, a father, and an avid environmentalist, Love has written a book that is as rich and layered as the Beach Boy harmonies themselves.

Opinion

From the critics

Community Activity

Comment

If you are at all familiar with the 1960s American pop sensations, the Beach Boys, then, these memoirs, written by the band's singer/lyricist, Mike Love, should definitely be of some significant interest to you.

In "Good Vibrations" Love candidly recalls all of the highs and all of the lows of being a founding member of one of the most popular American bands in rock'n'roll history.

In "Good Vibrations" (published in 2016) - (singer/lyricist) Mike Love (75 at the time) tells his long-untold story of what it was like being one of the founding members of the Beach Boys, who were one of America's most successful rock bands, ever.

Through plenty of insight and wit - Love fondly recalls the band's formative years, as well as their staggering transition (seemingly overnight) into international fame.

In between life's many ups & downs - Love comes forward and openly talks about his turbulent association with his 3 musically-gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson.

The Beach Boys, the feel-good California rock band who hit the airwaves in the early 60s and made kids everywhere want to surf, have remained a continual favorite for decades. Their story has often been told, as that of the band of brothers led by a tormented genius and browbeaten to early success by their jealous father, who then screwed them over. The tale of the Beach Boys is so much more than that, and this time Mike Love, front man and cousin of the Wilson brothers, takes his turn. In this even-handed retelling of his experience with the band, Love seeks to set straight old rumors and falsehoods that have become cemented as reality, and shares his experience as a songwriter who could come up with the clever hooks and catchy lyrics, but was overshadowed in the perpetuation of the myth of the singular genius of Brian Wilson. Love does a good job of stating his side of the story in an honest fashion, admitting his own mistakes while sharing his frustration at how he was treated at the hands of the music industry and the greediness of others. An enjoyable read.

Mike Love just out-wrote Peter Ames Carlin AND Brian Wilson in the storytelling department by at least 2 country miles. Mike's book is thoughtful, entertaining, and in some cases a little jaw dropping, as he spurns detailed tales about The Beach Boys. Mike also covers a lot of ground in regards to entertainment law, and the music biz in general. Very informative. (and I thought CCR and The Beatles had publishing problems). I saw Mike Love and the Beach Boys last year in Vcr. Great show. I just hope I can hold back the emotional tear tonight at The QE watching Brian Wilson. I always say the story of the Beach Boys had a happy ending.....God Only Knows......